An inaccurate Hawthorn staged a second half comeback which saw them boot 13 goals to just 4 to defeat the Demons by 45points. The Hawks had the first shot on goal going to Shaun Burgoyne who managed to miss. Roughead would kick the first goal of the game for the Hawks which came from a free kick to Lance Franklin but the new advantage rule saw Roughead run into goal.

The Hawks were dominant early with 7 inside 50's to the 1 early in the quarter but they failed to really capitalise on this. The Demons' first goal of the game came from a great lead up play that was started by Aaron Davey and ended with them going coast to coast and Jack Watts finished it off.

The Hawks led the Demons at quarter time by the 1 point, despite already having 10 shots on goal in the quarter. The Hawks were dominating the play and Clarkson would've been frustrated with the Hawks' lack of ability to convert their chances.

The Demons finally hit the front in the second quarter after captain Brad Green kicked a goal. Liam Jurrah would put the Demons further ahead moments later. Liam Jurrah set up another Brad Green goal, sending the Demons into the lead by 20 points.

Melbourne piled on the pressure which saw Trengove put through his first and the Demons were away. Chance Bateman would goal for the Hawks to keep them within 21 points of the Demons. Bateman again was in the play only moments later but he failed to make it 2 goals in a minute. The Demons went into the half time break leading by 19 points despite the Hawks having 16 shots at goal to Melbourne's 10.

The second half started with the Demons getting the centre clearance, but Hawthorn would open the scoring in the second half as Osborne would mark and miss summing up the Hawks' afternoon in front of goal.

Former Demon turned Hawk Cameron Bruce started a passage of play that ended with him kicking his first for the day. The Hawks were now within 12 points of the Demons and another behind to the total from Young would see the Demons head forward and punish the Hawks' inaccuracy with Pettard kicking his first of the day.

Hawthorn lost Brent Renouf to a neck injury and were forced to use their sub and Jordan Lewis had an instant impact setting up Lance Franklin who finally managed to split the middle. The Demons lead was cut back to 12 points and a costly Jetta turnover saw Suckling kick a big goal that would half the Demons' lead.

Lewis could have made it scores level but failed to kick a goal. The Demons again turned the ball over this time with Lance Franklin finished off and for the first time since the early moments of the game, the Hawks were in front.

The Demons then used their sub in the middle of the third quarter but Jordan Lewis would kick a goal and send the Hawks 16 points ahead. Hawthorn were winning the clearances and were starving the Demons of the ball, but with all the behinds, the Hawks were leaving the door open for a Melbourne revival.

Suckling, on the other end of a Melbourne turnover, put through a goal and the Hawks were now up by 24 points before a running Lance Franklin put through a behind from 40 metres. the Hawk would make up for this with a snap for goal sending them into the three quarter time break with a handy 30 point lead.

Shaun Burgoyne would show his class in the final quarter when he volleyed the ball up to himself and ran into an open goal. Shiels would moments later dribble the ball home and the Hawks now would lead by 45 points.

Melbourne quickly replied with a goal of their own, but they lost Colin Garland with what looked to be a knee injury. Lynden Dunn would make it back to back goals for the Demons and the Hawks' lead was back to 33 points. Shaun Burgoyne's third goal would snuff out any hope of a Melbourne comeback.

Maric would find Liam Jurrah who would get himself a consolation goal before Michael Osborne found himself on the end of a good pass and his goal pushed the margin back out to 42 point. The Demons handed Shaun Burgoyne his fourth goal after a defending blinder saw the ball in his hand and the lead was out for 48 points.

Melbourne youngster Luke Tapscott put forward a good case forward to earn himself a NAB Rising Star Award Nomination after he had an outstanding game for the Demons across half-back. David Hale was left to do the ruck work late for the Hawks when Renouf went off the ground.

Michael Osborne's 14 possessions in the third quarter and the substitution of Brent Renouf for Jordan Lewis really set up the Hawks' win. Once that happened, the Demons couldn't handle the Hawks. Cyril Rioli and Luke Hodge, who was eased back from injury, found a lot of the ball early. The Hawks played it safe with Luke Hodge throughout the game. For the Demons, Tapscott and Trengove were shining lights with Jurrah working hard to try and get the ball, but was still quiet.